“There is an outstanding invitation to the Indian Prime Minister which was extended to him by Pakistan and was accepted. We don't have any time frame for the visit as yet. Obviously we would welcome the visit,” said Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam.

At a news conference in New Delhi, Manmohan Singh was asked why he never visited Pakistan during his tenure as Prime Minister.

"I was born in a village which is now part of west Punjab. But as prime minister, I should go to Pakistan if conditions are appropriate to achieve solid results. Ultimately I felt that the circumstances were not appropriate (to visit Pakistan). I still have not given up the hope of going to Pakistan before (giving up office)," he said.